Over 100 swimmers participate in SPH Foundation National Para-Swimming Championships

SINGAPORE - Singapore Press Holdings Foundation (SPH Foundation), together with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), will host the fourth edition of the SPH Foundation National Para-Swimming Championships on May 10 at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex.

The championships, now into its 33rd year, is a highlight in the SDSC's annual sporting calendar.

It is aimed at creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to swim at a competitive level. Over 100 para-athletes from 18 special schools, associations and clubs are expected to compete.

The participants are assigned to different categories and events based on their disabilities, and will participate in all four swim strokes, as well as the freestyle relay.

Paralympians Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu have taken part and excelled in past editions of the competition.

The competition also serves as a platform for coaches and officials to spot potential candidates to join the National squad and to represent Singapore in prestigious competitions overseas. Outstanding swimmers may be selected for the 2nd Asian Para Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea, as well as the 8th ASEAN Para Games next year.

Ms Ginney Lim, General Manager of SPH Foundation, said: "Our sponsorship of the National Para-Swimming Championships for the fourth consecutive year reaffirms SPH Foundation's commitment to build a community that embraces healthy living and sports.

"This platform has provided us the opportunity to show our support towards SPH Foundation's key objectives of promoting community participation in sports and doing charity."

Associate Professor Mohan Menon, President of SDSC, said: "We are grateful to SPH Foundation for sponsoring and supporting this event.

"At SDSC, we are continuously building our pool of sporting talents. Competitions such as this, serve as a useful platform to identify junior athletes who can then be nurtured and developed to represent Singapore in international competitions such as the Para Games and Paralympics.

"In particular, we are now focused on spotting promising swimmers that can be groomed for the ASEAN Para Games in 2015.

"The SPH Foundation National Para-Swimming Championships will be instrumental in generating awareness and interest among potential disabled athletes to take up the sport."